MDA Space, a defense firm headquartered in Ontario, has been awarded contracts totaling 66 million Canadian dollars ($48 million) to provide unmanned aerial systems for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class guided missile frigates.
The procurement package includes 39 million Canadian dollars ($28.3 million) for the purchase of two drones, with an option for up to four more. Another 27 million Canadian dollars ($19.6 million) is allocated for in-service support and maintenance, with potential work lasting as long as two decades.
Canadian defense officials stated that the deal aims to enhance the navy’s operational capabilities by deploying ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) drones. These systems are expected to improve maritime situational awareness and help mitigate risks during operations.
The drones will be shipborne, capable of vertical takeoff and landing, and designed to function alongside maritime helicopters. They must be able to launch and recover in all-weather conditions and operate up to 50 nautical miles from their host vessel. The payload will include a modular maritime sensor suite with EO/IR imaging, radar, an Automatic Identification System, and an Identification Friend or Foe transponder.
